Booking photo for Charles W. Leff (Courtesy: Cache County Jail)
LOGAN — New charges have been filed against a 64-year-old Perry man who allegedly threatened to kill a family in Mendon. Charles W. Leff is in the Cache County Jail, since being arrested last Friday.
Leff was arraigned in 1st District Court Thursday afternoon, appearing by video from jail. He was charged with two new counts of tampering with a witness, a third-degree felony; and two misdemeanors for violating a protective order. He already faces five counts of attempted aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; four counts of possession of a firearm by a restricted person, a third-degree felony; and three drug and alcohol misdemeanors.
Last week, detectives began investigating a homicide attempt after Leff allegedly threatened to kill several family members in Mendon. A daughter-in-law learned about the threat and notified the family. Shortly after, one of the intended victims reportedly witnessed Leff driving past their home and called 911.
Deputies were able to conduct a traffic stop on Leff’s vehicle. He was found to be in possession of several firearms and was taken into custody without incident.
Earlier this week, Judge Brian Cannell ordered Leff to be held in jail without bail after prosecutors described a history of violence between him and his family. They explained how he had previously threatened and strangled his ex-wife. On another occasion, he threatened her while holding a loaded handgun to her head. They said he was considered to be a threat to the public and could also flee the area if allowed bail.
The new charges allegedly occurred earlier this week, while Leff was in jail and attempting to contact the victims.
Court records show Leff was previously convicted of sodomy of a child, lewdness of a child, aggravated assault and threatening another person with a weapon.
Leff is scheduled to appear again in court February 11. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.
will@cvradio.com